South Australian Government Architect, Ben Hewett, is pleased to advise that the Office for Design and Architecture SA (ODASA), will led a design led engagement process to explore possibilities for the current Royal Adelaide Hospital site. Part of this process includes a international open ideas design competition.

The competition will be open to registered architects and landscape architects in Australia, and internationally. Stage One (18 July – 28 August) will see competitors anonymously submit initial design concepts. These designs will be shared with the public after the close of Stage One, through a dedicated web page. Up to six competitors will then be shortlisted by an independent Judging Panel to participate in stage-two. The shortlisted competitors will be paid an honorarium of AU$100,000.

Stage Two (16 September – 8 November) is the opportunity for the shortlisted teams to further develop their Stage One submission, incorporating feedback from the community and stakeholders as well as from a judging panel of highly respected design professionals. In Stage Two all shortlisted teams are required to include local participation in their team composition. This will ensure the competition supports the professional design industry in South Australia.

The competition winner will receive AU$200,000, second prize winner AU$70,000 and third prize winner AU$30,000. The winners will be announced at a public exhibition in early December 2013. In addition, a AU$10,000 People’s Choice Award will be announced.

Shelley Penn, Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Architects, is Chair of the Judging Panel. Other confirmed panelists include Prof. Catherin Bull and Dr Marcus Spiller. Andrew Mackenzie, Director at City Lab, has been appointed as the Competition Advisor. In his role, Andrew will be the key point of contact for the Australian Institute of Architects and Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, who it is intended will formally endorse the competition.

Further information about the design competition, including the Judging Panel, fees, prizes, terms and conditions, will be announced in the coming weeks.